Aktia Lounge Hotel & Spa

This well-designed, adult-only hotel is geared toward creating a relaxing vacation for couples and small groups. Interiors are modern and outfitted in neutral colors and limited embellishment that helps create a calming atmosphere. The lobby and the adjacent bar have dim lighting, sleek wood and marble floors, and plush seating in shades of brown and lime green. Potted plants and colorful accent wallpaper add some vibrancy. Weather permitting, guests are generally out by the two pools or along the pretty beach. The gorgeous sea views from multiple vantage points enhance the quiet, relax-minded atmosphere.

Aktia Lounge Hotel & Spa is located along the northern coast of Crete, a 32-minute drive east of the major city of Heraklion. The street is busy with pedestrian traffic and there are plenty of places to eat nearby. Within a five-minute walk from the hotel, there are many shops, a supermarket, and car rentals. One minute down the road, there is a stop for a local transport in the guise of a train, which makes stops at popular tourist locations in and around Hersonissos. A four-minute walk from the hotel will bring guests to a bus stop. Malia Palace, an archaeological dig site of Minoan ruins, is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. It is also a seven-minute drive to the center of Malia, which is known for its buzzing nightlife. It is a 15-minute drive to Crete Golf Club -- a full 18-hole golf course -- and the fun Acqua Plus water park nearby. Heraklion Airport is a 26-minute drive from the hotel. 

Lovely rooms have a minimalistic design done in neutral tones. Wood floors, mostly white walls, and wood furniture create a peaceful space, while mushroom-colored accent walls, bed runners, and curtains blend well. Despite that there's only one piece of artwork for decor, the overall look is warm and stylish. All rooms have furnished balconies, many with gorgeous vistas. Also standard are flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles with free coffee and tea, and free safes. Decent-sized bathrooms have adequate counter space, and most notably, they have small whirlpool tubs with shower handles. Windows looking in from the bedroom is a romantic touch, and can be shuttered from the inside. Hairdryer and free soaps are provided. Wi-Fi is free in rooms, but guests report difficulty maintaining a connection.

Aktia Lounge Hotel & Spa has extensive leisure and dining features. The main restaurant is an inviting space with beautifully presented, buffet-style meals. Guests report the quality and variety are excellent, both here and at the a la carte Mediterranean restaurant. Another cafe offers snacks and drinks, but guests complain that it is too far from the beach and pool to be convenient. Guests find cocktails and service at the rooftop bar to be excellent, but it is not part of the all-inclusive package. 

A large, infinity-edge pool is surrounded with free padded loungers and umbrellas, and another smaller pool is used for activities and can be noisier. Both have lovely sea views. The animation team provides some activities each week, but guests do not find them particularly engaging. Steps away from the pool is a lovely, sandy beach packed with free loungers. The spa has an understated, pleasant design and includes a sauna, whirlpool, and indoor pool, though there is a charge to use the facilities. Some wear is evident in grout and stains in the indoor pool. A simple fitness room has a few cardio machines and an array of weight-training equipment. A tennis court and ping-pong table are also available.